Lung Transplant Program

A lung transplant is an operation performed to replace a diseased lung with a healthy one from another person. Lung transplantation may involve a single or double lung transplantation. The majority of lungs that are transplanted come from deceased organ donors. In rare circumstances, a living individual may donate a portion of a lung to a child.

Why is a lung transplant recommended?

Lung transplants are a treatment option for children and young adults with severe cystic fibrosis (CF), end-stage lung disease, and other chronic lung diseases. CF is the most common underlying disease that may require a lung transplant among children, adolescents, and young adults.

Some of the other diseases that may require a lung transplant include:

The majority of lungs that are transplanted come from deceased organ donors. Organ donors are adults or children who have become critically ill and will not live as a result of their illness. If the donor is an adult, he/she may have agreed to be an organ donor before becoming ill.

Parents or spouses can also agree to donate a relative's organs. Donors can come from any part of the United States. This type of transplant is called a cadaveric transplant.

In rare circumstances, a living individual may donate a portion of a lung to a child. In most cases, the donor is a family member. This living-related donation can be a scheduled procedure since there is no waiting time for the organ. This procedure is not currently being performed at Children's Hospital Boston.

How is my child placed on the waiting list for a new lung?

An extensive evaluation must be completed before your child can be placed on the transplant list.

Tests are done to gather information that will help determine how urgent it is that your child is placed on the transplant list, to determine if there are any contraindications to lung transplantation, and to help optimize your child's condition as a lung transplant candidate.

How long will it take to get a new lung?

The wait can be from days to months to years. You will be given a beeper for us to be able to reach you at all times.

Once an organ becomes available for your child, you and your child will be immediately called to the hospital. This call can occur at any time, so you should always be prepared to go to the hospital if needed. Once at the hospital, your child will have some more blood work and tests to confirm the match of the organ.

Your child will then go to the operating room. The transplant surgery may require from six to twelve hours, but can vary greatly depending on the type of surgery and on each individual case.

During the surgery, a member of the transplant team will keep you informed on the progress of the transplant.

What happens after lung transplant surgery?

After the surgery, your child will go to an intensive care unit (ICU) to be monitored closely. The length of time your child will spend in the ICU will vary based on your child's unique condition.

After your child is stable, he will be sent to the Transplant unit. Your child will continue to be monitored closely. You will be educated on all aspects of caring for your child during this time. This will include information about medications, activity, follow-up, diet, and any other specific instructions from your transplant team.